Manager, Employee and Labor Relation

Location: Hybrid position - ability to travel between multiple MGB sites in Massachusetts and New Hampshire
Type:  Contract
Duration: 6 Months (potential temp to perm)
Start Date: ASAP
Positions: 1
Schedule: M-F 40 hrs. / week

Job Summary:
The Manager, Employee and Labor Relations is responsible for independently advising managers and Human Resources (HR) professionals system-wide regarding complex employee relations situations and the interpretation of personnel policies, labor contracts and State/Federal employment laws.  .  The incumbent will provide comprehensive internal employee/Labor Relations consultation throughout the Mass General Brigham (MGB) system, will prepare responses to internal and external complaints, conduct investigations, write reports and present findings.  The incumbent will assess, design and deliver training on employee relations and Labor issues as requested by, or in support of, assigned clients.
Responsibilities:

• As a key member of the Employee Relations and Labor Strategy (ERLS) Center of Excellence, advises HR professionals, Managers and Executives system wide concerning complex employee relations issues such as workplace harassment, workplace violence, ADA/FMLA, substance abuse, and reductions in force. 
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the overall employee/Labor Relations strategy. 
• In support of the HR Business Partner/shared services model, advises HR professionals system wide regarding the interpretation and application of personnel policies, labor contracts and Federal and State employment and Labor laws.    As requested, conducts case review process and assists in standardizing practice across larger HR departments.
• In collaboration with the Legal Department, assists with the preparation of a response to complaints filed with the MCAD, EEOC or other relevant agencies and attends and/or testifies at hearings and arbitrations as appropriate.
• Conducts sensitive and confidential investigations throughout the system in cooperation with entity HR professionals and the Office of General Counsel.  Prepares reports of the findings and presents findings to specific audiences, as determined by the individual entity.
• Consults with HR professionals and managers concerning the processing of non-union grievances, assists with gathering all required documentation and chairs grievance boards, as necessary.
• Creates, customizes, and presents workshops concerning Employee and Labor Relations issues, such as Harassment, Progressive Discipline, Employment and Labor Laws, Managing in a Labor Environment, Workplace Violence and ADA/FMLA to managers and HR professionals.  Periodically surveys HRBPs to identify current training needs.
• Conducts complex climate surveys to assess the general environmental tone within a department or between departments to determine areas of employee concern and/or potential organizing activity.  Prepares reports of the findings and presents findings to various audiences, as determined by the individual entity.
• Maintains a current body of knowledge of employment and Labor laws and all MGB  labor contracts.
• Provides expertise to local HR, leadership and attorneys in the Office of General Counsel to support the collective bargaining process for existing collective bargaining agreements.  Serves as a member of the management negotiating team, prepares analysis, drafts language, identifies management proposals, and organizes meeting schedule among other responsibilities.
• Supports the grievance and arbitration process, and maintains positive employee relations and Labor-management relations.  Prepares, interprets, processes, and educates around changes to collective bargaining agreements and contract negotiations.
• Advises management staff during union organizing campaigns, meets with supervisors/managers to assess areas of vulnerability, delivers Labor Relations training, provides communication plan and project management assistance throughout the organizing and election period.  Conducts post-organizing debriefings and creates action plan related to on-going employee relations or negotiation activity, consistent with outcome of organizing activity.
• Assists with the development and interpretation of employee relations policies and procedures and local policies, as needed.
• Provides guidance regarding contract and non-contract issues, including but not limited to discipline, grievance and arbitration resolution, employment terms and conditions, problem-solving, contract administration, and negotiations. 
• Develops and maintains positive and effective working relationships with all appropriate parties at each entity and with union business agents.
• Performs related duties as required in support of ERLS Center of Excellence.

Required Skills:

• Minimum 7 years of Employee and Labor Relations experience
• Experience handling investigations within healthcare
• Knowledge of state and federal employment and Labor laws
• Prepared responses to complaints filed with the MCAD, EEOC or other agencies
• Experience creating, customizing, and presenting workshops
• Strong Soft Skills: Tactful, Professional, and Politically Savvy

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Case Management Systems, PeopleSoft

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree required.